Barefoot Contessa Season 19 Episode 3 Heard It on the Grapevine

In episode 3 of season 19 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Heard It on the Grapevine", host Ina Garten shares her love of wines and grapes by creating a menu that showcases the flavors of the vineyard. The episode opens with Ina visiting a local vineyard to learn more about the winemaking process and to source some high-quality ingredients for her dishes.

With the grapes and wine in hand, Ina heads back to her kitchen to prepare her grape-inspired menu. She begins by making a savory grape focaccia, which she tops with caramelized onions, rosemary, and juicy red grapes. Next, she demonstrates how to make a simple yet elegant arugula salad with fresh figs, shavings of parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and a homemade citrus dressing.

For the main course, Ina prepares a wine-braised short rib dish that is fall-apart tender and full of flavor. She begins by searing the short ribs in a Dutch oven before adding in red wine, beef broth, and aromatics like garlic, onions, and thyme. The dish simmers slowly on the stovetop, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender meat.

To round out the meal, Ina creates a beautiful dessert featuring her favorite fruit – grapes. She makes a grapefruit and grape tart that is both tangy and sweet, with a crisp crust and a creamy filling made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and vanilla.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares tips and tricks for cooking with wine and grapes, such as using white wine to deglaze a pan or using red wine to add depth of flavor to sauces and stews. She also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients in each dish, whether it's a fresh bunch of grapes or a robust bottle of red wine.

As always, Ina's cooking style is both approachable and elegant, making her recipes perfect for a special occasion or a weekday meal. With her warm personality and passion for good food, it's easy to see why Barefoot Contessa has remained a beloved cooking show for almost two decades.